Generic Name: pamidronate

What is this medicine?

PAMIDRONATE (pa mi DROE nate) slows calcium loss from bones. It is used to treat high calcium blood levels from cancer or Paget's disease. It is also used to treat bone pain and prevent fractures from certain cancers that have spread to the bone.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

aspirin-sensitive asthma

dental disease

kidney disease

an unusual or allergic reaction to pamidronate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

certain antibiotics given by injection

medicines for inflammation or pain like ibuprofen, naproxen

some diuretics like bumetanide, furosemide

cyclosporine

parathyroid hormone

tacrolimus

teriparatide

thalidomide

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checkups. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medicine. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Your doctor may order blood tests or other tests to see how you are doing.

Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

You should make sure that you get enough calcium and vitamin D while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.

Some people who take this medicine have severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain. This medicine may also increase your risk for a broken thigh bone. Tell your doctor right away if you have pain in your upper leg or groin. Tell your doctor if you have any pain that does not go away or that gets worse.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

black or tarry stools

changes in vision

eye inflammation, pain

high blood pressure

jaw pain, especially burning or cramping

muscle weakness

numb, tingling pain

swelling of feet or hands

trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

unable to move easily

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

bone, joint, or muscle pain

constipation

dizzy, drowsy

fever

headache

loss of appetite

nausea, vomiting

pain at site where injected

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.